The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services:

International Purple Day Recognized in the House of Assembly

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Friday, March 24, as Purple Day for epilepsy in Newfoundland and Labrador, a worldwide event that first started in Atlantic Canada.

Cassidy Megan from Nova Scotia organized the first Purple Day at her elementary school after being diagnosed in 2008. Her goal was to get people talking about epilepsy and help those who experienced seizures feel less alone.

Although the House will not be in session on March 24, I call on my colleagues to observe Purple Day in their districts and wear purple, the internationally recognized colour for epilepsy.

In the week leading up to Purple Day, our government will Light it up Purple with Confederation Building scheduled to be lit from March 21 to March 29.

Epilepsy affects over 10,000 people in Newfoundland and Labrador and approximately 50 million people around the world.

Purple Day plays a big part in helping to further our understanding about epilepsy, reduce stigma and improve the quality of life for people living with epilepsy.

I invite this House and all residents of our province to participate in Purple Day and support those who live with epilepsy every day.